Institute of Pharmacovigilance
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ScientificS.A.PE

PV Pharmacoepidemiologist

Scientific · Academia

Conducts pharmacoepidemiologic research in academia.

Also known as: PV Research Fellow

Draft

This competency standard is a working draft prepared for reviewand is not yet an official GPPC standard. Content is derived from the role’s job description and established pharmacovigilance practice, and is subject to change.

Job description

  • Generate RWE and conduct required epidemiologic studies (e.g., PASS, PAES, PMR, DUS, the effectiveness of REMS and RMMs).
  • Provide a critical review of relevant published literature.
  • Build and maintain partnerships with Medical Affairs, Clinical Development, and Regulatory Affairs departments.
  • Keep up to date with the latest epidemiologic methods and resources to be able to be responsive with cross-functional teams and to guide decision making where needed.
  • Participate in inspection/audit related readiness activities and provide support for internal and external PV audits.
  • Develop and deliver relevant training.
  • Contribute, participate, and support team meetings, including materials preparation, meeting minutes writing, and action item tracking.

Overall required level: Intermediate.Draft competency standard for the PV Pharmacoepidemiologist role. As a scientific role, intermediate-to-expert command of the relevant scientific domain and its regulatory context is expected. Levels are an initial proposal derived from the role's job description and typical pharmacovigilance practice, pending expert review.

Prerequisites

Mandatory prerequisites

  • University degree in medicine, pharmacy, life sciences or a related discipline
  • Relevant pharmacovigilance experience appropriate to the role

Recommendations

  • Working proficiency in English
  • Familiarity with the applicable GVP modules

Concept of levels

Knowledge for each topic is assessed on a four-level scale.

LevelExpected knowledge
N/ANo knowledge required.
BasicElementary knowledge of the specific regulation; fundamental understanding of the terms and definitions used, a basic understanding of the concept of the regulation, a general overview of what it covers and where it can be found; passive/delegated usage of the regulation.
IntermediateVery good knowledge of the specific regulation; comprehensive understanding of the terms and definitions and of the concept and context of who/when/where/why/how it applies; active usage of the regulation when required.
ExpertExcellent knowledge of the specific regulation; in-depth understanding of the concept and of how and why its sections should be implemented and followed, including outcomes and responsibilities for all relevant stakeholders; active usage of the regulation on a daily basis.

Knowledge

General Knowledge

TopicLevel
Pharmacovigilance principles and Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP) overviewRef: EMA GVP Module I — Pharmacovigilance systems and their quality systems; EU Reg (EC) 726/2004 & Dir 2001/83/ECIntermediate
The pharmacovigilance system and Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF)Ref: EMA GVP Module II — Pharmacovigilance system master file (Rev 2)Intermediate
Individual case safety report (ICSR) management and regulatory reporting timelinesRef: EMA GVP Module VI (Rev 2); ICH E2D(R1); ICH E2B(R3)Intermediate

Role-Specific Knowledge

Includes topics derived from this role's job description.

TopicLevel
PV curriculum and educational methodsRef: WHO Pharmacovigilance Core Curriculum for University TeachingExpert
Pharmacovigilance science and research methodologyIntermediate
Regulatory framework and GVP overviewRef: EMA GVP Module I — Pharmacovigilance systems and their quality systemsIntermediate
Scientific writing and publicationIntermediate
Risk management planning (GVP Module V): RMP structure and lifecycleRef: EMA GVP Module V — Risk management systems (Rev 2)Intermediate
Audits and regulatory inspectionsRef: EMA GVP Module IV — Pharmacovigilance audits (Rev 1); GVP Module III — Pharmacovigilance inspectionsIntermediate
Literature monitoring and reviewRef: EMA GVP Module VI (Rev 2) — literature monitoringBasic
Training, education and capacity buildingRef: WHO Pharmacovigilance Core Curriculum for University TeachingBasic
Budgeting, resourcing and business continuityIntermediate
Post-authorisation safety studies (PASS/PAES)Ref: EMA GVP Module VIII — Post-authorisation safety studies (Rev 3)Intermediate

Knowledge · Skills · Attitude

A summary of the competency elements expected for this role.

ElementKnowledgeSkillsAttitude
Teaching
  • Curriculum and pedagogy
  • Instructing and mentoring
  • Commitment to learning
Research
  • Research methodology
  • Designing and conducting studies
  • Scientific integrity
Dissemination
  • Scientific writing
  • Publishing and presenting
  • Clarity and rigour

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Certification validates prerequisites via CV screening and assesses knowledge through an online, AI-proctored examination based on the competency standard. The latest terms and requirements for every role and region are maintained by the Institute of Pharmacovigilance.

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